U.S. patent application number 15/986071 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-29 for sleeve for an article of clothing.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON - ALTRA LLC. Invention is credited to Ashley Robertson.
Application Number | 20180338543 15/986071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64400173 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180338543 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robertson; Ashley |
November 29, 2018 |
Sleeve for an Article of Clothing
Abstract
An article of clothing having a body of fabric disposed to cover
at least some of a torso of a user where the body of fabric
defining an arm hole. The sleeve has a first sleeve end attached to
the arm hole and a second sleeve end defining a sleeve opening. The
article also includes a strap connected to the sleeve proximate the
second sleeve end, wherein the strap is configured to be engaged by
a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening.
Inventors: |
Robertson; Ashley;
(Providence, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON - ALTRA LLC |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64400173 |
Appl. No.: |
15/986071 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62511176 |
May 25, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/10 20130101;
A41B 7/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 7/02 20060101
A41B007/02; A41D 27/10 20060101 A41D027/10 |
Claims
1. An article of clothing to be worn by a user, the article
comprising: a body of fabric disposed to cover at least some of a
torso of a user, the body of fabric defining an arm hole; a sleeve
having a first sleeve end attached to the arm hole and a second
sleeve end defining a sleeve opening; and a strap connected to the
sleeve proximate the second sleeve end, wherein the strap is
configured to be engaged by a digit of the user to reduce the
sleeve opening.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap does not prevent the
sleeve opening from returning to its fully open state when the
strap is not engaged by the digit.
3. The article of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface
and an inner surface; wherein the strap is partially exposed on the
inner surface of the sleeve.
4. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap is a loop of material
extending around the sleeve opening.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap has a first strap end
attached to the sleeve and a second strap end attached to the
sleeve.
6. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap is partially contained
within a cuff formed at the second sleeve end.
7. The article of claim 1, further comprising: an exposed portion
of the strap; wherein the exposed portion is disposed between 0.5
inches and 5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
8. The article of claim 1, further comprising: an exposed portion
of the strap; wherein the exposed portion of the strap is disposed
between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches from the bottom of the
sleeve.
9. The article of claim 1, further comprising: an exposed portion
of the strap; wherein the exposed portion of the strap is disposed
between 2.5 inches and 7.5 inches from the bottom of the
sleeve.
10. The article of claim 1, further comprising: an exposed portion
of the strap; wherein the exposed portion of the strap is disposed
between 3 inches and 5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
11. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap extends within a cuff
of the sleeve and exits the cuff through a first reinforced orifice
and re-enters the cuff through a second reinforced orifice to
provide an exposed portion of the strap to be engaged by the digit
of the user.
12. The article of claim 11, wherein the exposed portion of the
strap is disposed on an inner surface of the sleeve.
13. The article of claim 11, wherein the exposed portion of the
strap is disposed on an outer surface of the sleeve.
14. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap includes two exposed
portions separated by an eighth inch section of the sleeve.
15. The article of claim 1, wherein the strap is not adjusted by
hardware.
16. An article of clothing to be worn by a user, the article
comprising: a sleeve having a sleeve end defining a sleeve opening;
the sleeve including: a first layer; a second layer; a cavity
defined between the first layer and the second layer; a portion of
the cavity proximate the sleeve opening being confined by a first
circumferential seam and a second circumferential seam aligned with
and spaced apart from the first circumferential seam; a confined
portion of a strap disposed within the portion of the cavity; an
exposed portion of the strap being exposed; wherein the exposed
portion of the strap is engagable by a digit of the user to reduce
the sleeve opening when the sleeve is worn over an arm of the user
and the digit is connected to the arm.
17. The article of claim 16, further including a first strap
portion connected to the sleeve inside the portion of the
cavity.
18. The article of claim 17, further including a second strap
portion connected to the sleeve inside the portion of the
cavity.
19. The article of claim 16, wherein the strap is a loop of
material extending around a circumference of the sleeve.
20. An article of clothing to be worn by a user, the article
comprising: a body of fabric disposed to cover at least some of a
torso of a user, the body of fabric defining an arm hole; a sleeve
having a first sleeve end attached to the arm hole and a second
sleeve end defining a sleeve opening; the sleeve including: a first
layer; a second layer; a cavity defined between the first layer and
the second layer; a portion of the cavity proximate the sleeve
opening being confined by a first circumferential seam and a second
circumferential seam aligned with and spaced apart from the first
circumferential seam; a confined portion of a strap disposed within
the portion of the cavity; and an exposed portion of the strap
being exposed; wherein the exposed portion of the strap is
engagable by a digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening when
the sleeve is worn over an arm of the user and the digit is
connected to the arm; wherein the strap is a loop of material
extending around a circumference of the sleeve.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/511,176 titled "A Sleeve for an Article of
Clothing" and filed on 25 May 2017, which application is herein
incorporated by reference for all that it discloses.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to clothing. More
particularly, the disclosure relates to a cuff construction for use
with coats, jackets, long sleeve shirts, and articles of clothing
that include sleeves that extend down the user's arm.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various known methods of adjusting a cuff of a sleeve use
fasteners, such as buttons and hook and loop fasteners. Making
adjustments to such cuffs requires two hands and may be difficult
while wearing gloves or mittens. In addition, such buttons and hook
and loop fasteners add weight to the apparel and may require
heavier fabrics to be used in the garment to support the weight of
the fasteners.
[0004] Cuffs may also include elastomeric materials integrated into
a cuff to provide a seal against the user and maintain the sleeve
in place during use. Alternatively, known long sleeved running
apparel also may include a thumb hole near a nonadjustable cuff
through which a user can extend their thumb to help keep their
garments in place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the disclosure, an article of clothing has
a body of fabric disposed to cover at least some of a torso of a
user where the body of fabric defines an arm hole. The sleeve has a
first sleeve end attached to the arm hole and a second sleeve end
defining a sleeve opening. The article also includes a strap
connected to the sleeve proximate the second sleeve end, wherein
the strap is disposed to be engaged by a digit of the user to
reduce the sleeve opening.
[0006] When the strap is not engaged by the digit, the strap may
not prevent the sleeve opening from returning to its fully open
state.
[0007] The sleeve may have an outer surface and an inner surface,
wherein the strap may be partially exposed on the inner surface of
the sleeve to be engaged by the digit of the user.
[0008] The strap may have a loop of material extending around the
sleeve opening.
[0009] The strap may have a first strap end attached to the sleeve
and a second strap end attached to the sleeve.
[0010] The strap may be partially contained within a cuff formed at
the second sleeve end.
[0011] The article may include an exposed portion of the strap
wherein the exposed portion is disposed between 0.5 inches and 5
inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
[0012] The article may include an exposed portion of the strap
where the exposed portion of the strap is disposed between 1.5
inches and 2.5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
[0013] The article may include an exposed portion of the strap
where the exposed portion of the strap is disposed between 2.5
inches and 7.5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
[0014] The article may include an exposed portion of the strap
where the exposed portion of the strap is disposed between 3 inches
and 5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
[0015] The strap may extend within a cuff of the sleeve and exit
the cuff through a first reinforced orifice and re-enter a second
reinforced orifice to provide an exposed portion of the strap to be
engaged by the digit of the user.
[0016] The exposed portion of the strap may be disposed on an inner
surface of the sleeve.
[0017] The exposed portion of the strap may be disposed on an outer
surface of the sleeve.
[0018] The strap may include two exposed portions separated by an
approximately one-eighth inch section of the sleeve.
[0019] In some cases, the strap may not be adjusted by
hardware.
[0020] In one aspect of the disclosure, an article of clothing to
be worn by a user may include a sleeve having a sleeve end defining
a sleeve opening. The sleeve may include a first layer, a second
layer, and a cavity defined between the first layer and the second
layer. A portion of the cavity proximate the sleeve opening may be
confined by a first circumferential seam and a second
circumferential seam aligned with and spaced apart from the first
circumferential seam, a confined portion of a strap disposed within
the portion of the cavity, and an exposed portion of the strap
being exposed. The exposed portion of the strap is engagable by a
digit of the user to reduce the sleeve opening when the sleeve is
worn over an arm of the user and the digit is connected to the
arm.
[0021] The article may include a first strap portion connected to
the sleeve inside the portion of the cavity.
[0022] The article may include a second strap portion connected to
the sleeve inside the portion of the cavity.
[0023] The strap may be a loop of material extending around a
circumference of the sleeve.
[0024] In one aspect of the disclosure, an article of clothing to
be worn by a user may include a body of fabric disposed to cover at
least some of a torso of a user, the body of fabric defining an arm
hole and a sleeve having a first sleeve end attached to the arm
hole and a second sleeve end defining a sleeve opening. The sleeve
may include a first layer, a second layer, a cavity defined between
the first layer and the second layer, a portion of the cavity
proximate the sleeve opening can be confined by a first
circumferential seam and a second circumferential seam aligned with
and spaced apart from the first circumferential seam, a confined
portion of a strap disposed within the portion of the cavity, and
an exposed portion of the strap being exposed. The exposed portion
of the strap is engagable by a digit of the user to reduce the
sleeve opening when the sleeve is worn over an arm of the user and
the digit is connected to the arm. The strap may be a loop of
material extending around a circumference of the sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an example of fabric that is part of an
article of clothing in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts an example of fabric that is part of an
article of clothing in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts an example of an article of clothing in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts an example of an article of clothing in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 7 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 9 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 10 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 11 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 12 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 13 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 14 depicts an example of a sleeve in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 15 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 16 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 17 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 18 depicts an example of a strap in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 19 depicts an example of a user engaging with a strap
in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "aligned" means
parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than
35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term
"transverse" means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or
forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes
of this disclosure, the term "length" means the longest dimension
of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term
"width" means the dimension of an object from side to side. Often,
the width of an object is transverse the object's length. For
purposes of this disclosure, the term "bottom of the sleeve" refers
to the azimuthal portion of the sleeve that is closest to the
fabric that covers the torso. In other words, the term "bottom of
the sleeve" covers the underside portion of the arm. In
conventional long sleeve shirts, a seam is often located at the
bottom of the sleeve along the sleeve's length from the arm hole to
the sleeve's opening at the sleeve's second end. In some examples,
the term "bottom of the sleeve" may generally refer to the portions
of the sleeve that hangs lowest when the user outstretches his or
her arm while wearing the long sleeve shirt. Also, for purposes of
this disclosure, the term cuff generally refers to an end part of a
sleeve where the material of the sleeve is turned back or a
separate band is sewn onto the sleeve.
[0045] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example of an article 1 of clothing.
FIG. 1 depicts a front view, and FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the
article 1. In these examples, the article of clothing includes an
arm hole 2, a neck hole 50, and a torso hole 51. In these examples,
the sleeves of the articles are not shown for illustrative
purposes. Any appropriate type of article of clothing may be used.
The article 1 may include any variety of buttons, zippers, hook and
loop fasteners, or other closure devices that facilitate a user
putting the article 1 on or taking the article 1 off the user's
body.
[0046] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an example of the article 1 with
sleeves 3 attached. A first sleeve end 4 may be attached to the arm
hole 2 of the article 1. The sleeve 3 may include a second sleeve
end 5 terminating in an opening 6 that is opposite the first sleeve
end 4. When worn by a user, the sleeve 3 may include fabric that
circumscribes at least a portion of a user's arm. The sleeve 3 may
be selectively removable from the article 1 or may be fixed to the
article 1. In some examples, the sleeve 3 may be worn independently
of the article 1. For example, the sleeve 3 may be worn cycling for
additional warmth on descents and removed for slower ascents.
[0047] FIG. 5 depicts a second end 5 of the sleeve 3 that is
opposite the end of the sleeve that attaches to the arm hole 2. The
fabric of the sleeve 3 may define an opening 6 at the second end 5.
In this example, the bottom 15 of the sleeve, which may correspond
to the underside of the arm, is depicted. The fabric of the sleeve
3 may be any appropriate fabric, either elastic or inelastic. For
example, the fabric may include or be cotton, polyester, wool,
vinyl, any waterproof fabric, any breathable fabric, or
combinations thereof.
[0048] FIG. 6 depicts an example of the sleeve 3 with a cuff 13
attached to the second end 5 of the sleeve. In this example, the
cuff 13 is attached to the sleeve 3. The cuff 13 may include a
first layer in a second layer. A strap 7 may be at least partially
disposed within a cavity defined between the first and the second
layers. In some examples, the strap 7 is made of an elastic
material. The exposed portion of the strap 7 may exit and enter the
cavity through reinforced openings defined in the cuff. In the
example of FIG. 6, the exposed portion of the strap 7 is located on
the inner surface 9 of the sleeve.
[0049] FIG. 7 depicts an example of a cuff 13 attached to the
sleeve 3. In this example, the exposed portion of the strap 7 is
located on an outside surface 8 of the cuff 13. In this example,
the strap 7 is a continuous loop 10. In some examples, the strap 7
is made of or includes an elastic material. In other examples, the
strap 7 is made of or includes an inelastic material. While FIG. 6
illustrates an example of a strap 7 exposed on an inner surface 9
and FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a strap 7 exposed on an outer
surface 8, it should be understood that some examples of a strap 7
may be partially exposed on the inner surface 9 and partially
exposed on an outer surface 8.
[0050] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a cuff 13 attached to the
sleeve 3. In this example, the strap forms a continuous loop 10,
wherein the exposed portion of the strap 7 resides on an inner
surface 9 of the sleeve. The strap 7 may be unanchored to the cuff
13, such that the strap 7 may slide and/or rotate circumferentially
within the cuff 13 without pulling on the fabric of the cuff 13. In
other examples, the strap 7 may be a continuous loop that is
anchored at least at one location to the cuff, such that the strap
7 does not slide circumferentially within the cuff 13.
[0051] FIG. 9 depicts an example of a bottom of a cuff 13 attached
to the sleeve 3 including a strap 7 that is exposed on the inner
surface 9. In this example, the strap 7 has a first strap end 11
and a second strap end 12. In this example, the first and second
strap ends 11, 12 are on the opposite side of the sleeve 3 from the
exposed portion of the strap 7 on the inside surface 9 of the
sleeve 3. The first strap end 11 and second strap end 12 are
separated by a small gap located along the sleeve's circumference.
While this example depicts the gap with a certain size, the first
strap end 11 and the second strap end 12 may be spaced apart at any
appropriate distance. In some cases, the first strap end 11 and/or
the second strap end 12 are sewn into the material of the cuff 13
and/or the fabric of the sleeve 3.
[0052] FIG. 10 depicts an example of the sleeve 3 with two exposed
portions of the strap 7. In this example, the expose portions of
the strap 7 are separated by approximately a 1/8 inch section 21.
While this example depicts the section 21 as being a certain size,
the two exposed portions of the strap 7 may be spaced apart at any
appropriate distance. In some cases, at least one of the exposed
portions includes an end that is sewn directly into the sleeve 3.
In one example, at least one end of the exposed portion of the
strap 7 is also an end of the strap 7. In other examples where the
strap 7 has more than one expose portion, the strap 7 may be a
continuous loop.
[0053] FIGS. 11-14 depict examples of a sleeve 3 with an exposed
portion of the strap 7 located at different distances from the
bottom 15 of the sleeve 3. FIG. 11 depicts an example of an exposed
portion of the strap 7 that is a distance 19 of 2.5 inches to 7.5
inches away from the bottom 15 of the sleeve 3. FIG. 12 depicts an
example of an exposed portion of the strap 7 that is a distance 20
of 3.0 to 5.0 inches away from the bottom 15 of the sleeve 3. FIG.
13 depicts an example of an exposed portion of the strap 7 that is
a distance 14 of 0.5 inches to 5.0 inches away from the bottom 15
of the sleeve 3. FIG. 14 depicts an example of an exposed portion
of the strap 7 that is a distance 16 of 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches
away from the bottom 15 of the sleeve 3.
[0054] FIGS. 15-18 depict examples of orifice openings where the
strap 7 enters and exits the cavity. FIG. 15 depicts a first
orifice opening 17 and a second orifice opening 18 reinforced with
stitching. FIG. 16 depicts a first orifice opening 17 and a second
orifice opening 18 reinforced with grommets. FIG. 17 depicts a
first orifice opening 17 and a second orifice opening 18 reinforced
with seams. FIG. 18 depicts a first orifice opening 17 and a second
orifice opening 18 formed with laser cut openings.
[0055] FIG. 19 is a top view of a sleeve 3 and a user's hand 22
extending from the sleeve when the user's arm is positioned in the
sleeve 3 outstretched from the user's body. The bottom 15 of the
sleeve 3 is illustrated oriented toward a thumb of the user's hand
22. The hand 22 is positioned through the cuff 13 of the sleeve 3
with a digit 23 engaging the strap 7. While the digit 23
illustrated in FIG. 19 is the thumb of the hand 22, other digits of
the hand 22 may be used to engage the strap 7. A forward motion of
the user's hand 22 relative to the cuff 13 may apply a force 24 to
tension the strap 7 and/or urge at least a portion of the strap 7
from a cavity defined by the cuff 13 and reducing a circumference
of the cuff 13 to constrict around the user's hand 22 and/or
arm.
[0056] The strap 7 may remain engaged with the digit 23 using use
of the jacket or during an activity to maintain the tension on the
strap 7. Maintaining the tension on the strap 7 may keep the cuff
13 fitted to the user's hand 22 and/or arm. Additionally, the cuff
13 may include a cord lock, pinch clasp, clip, clamp, or other
locking mechanism that may maintain tension on the strap 7 upon a
user disengaging the strap 7 with the digit 23.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0057] In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide users
with a sleeve that can be closed with a single hand while the user
is wearing the sleeve. Other types of cuffs may be adjustable with
two hands or require the user to use hardware to keep the opening
of the sleeve closed. Often, these conventional sleeves are
difficult to close without taking off gloves or mittens. In
contrast, the principles described herein allow the user to shrink
the opening of the sleeve while wearing the article of clothing
with the sleeve by using either at least one finger, a thumb, or
combinations thereof to engage a strap incorporated into the
sleeve. This engagement can cause the sleeve's opening to shrink by
at least some amount. The sleeve's opening that shrinks is
triggered or actuated by the finger, thumb, or other type of digit
attached to the arm that is covered by the sleeve.
[0058] For example, a runner may desire to shrink the size of the
opening of his or her right-hand sleeve. The user may or may not be
wearing gloves or mittens. However, if the user is wearing gloves
or mittens, the user does not need to remove them to cause the
sleeve opening to close. The user may simply use his or her right
hand to cause at least one finger or thumb to engage the strap that
causes the closure/shrinkage. This motion may be seamless, quick,
and inconspicuously done without pause or termination of the
activity being performed by the runner.
[0059] In some examples, the mechanism that allows for the sleeve
opening's shrinkage includes a strap that is a continuous looped
cuff that is adjustable and secured with the user's finger or thumb
while the user is wearing the article of clothing. The user may
insert his or her finger or thumb into the exposed portion of the
continuous loop and pull. The results of pulling on the strap may
cause the cuff to tighten. In some cases, while the finger is
engaged with the strap, the opening of the sleeve may remain
closed. In some examples, a locking mechanism, such as a cord lock,
pinch clasp, clip, clamp, or other locking mechanism, may be
incorporated into the mechanism to cause the sleeve opening size to
remain locked in a closed condition regardless of whether the
user's finger or thumb remains engaged with the strap. In such
examples, the locking mechanism may be releasable with a single
hand, allowing single hand operation for both tensioning and
release of the strap in the cuff. In at least one example, a strap
may be tensioned by a thumb of the user, locked by a spring-loaded
cord lock, and the tension may be released by a compression of the
cord lock between the thumb and another finger of the user's
hand.
[0060] In other cases, the continuous loop is made with a cord and
sewn within the cavity defined by the layers of the cuff. At one
portion of the cavity, the loop is exposed, allowing a finger or
thumb to be inserted into the loop to pull and adjust cuff's
tension. In some cases, the exposed loop stays around the
finger/thumb to secure desired tension for the entire duration that
the user desires for the cuff to remain tightly fitted to the
user's wrist, hand, and/or forearm.
[0061] In one example, the sleeve includes a cuff that includes at
least two layers of fabric. The first layer and second layer of
fabric may be part of a single piece of fabric that is folded back
on itself. In other examples, the first and second layers include
two distinct pieces of fabric. The first and second layers of
fabric may be positioned proximate one another to define a cavity.
The layers may be maintained in their location relative to one
another by at least one seam. In some cases, a plurality of seams
is used to create a portion of the cavity that is suitable for
holding the strap. As used herein, the term "seam" should be
interpreted broadly as including any stitching, welding, adhesive
material or tape, bonding, or any other similar finish that
connects or attaches at least two layers together. In some
examples, a first seam between the first and second layers that
follows the circumference of the sleeve defines a first portion of
a cavity. A second seam between the first and second layers that
follows the circumference of the sleeve and is aligned with the
first seam may define a second portion of a cavity. While this
example has been described with reference to a portion of the
cavity being defined by a first and second seam that retain the
strap, any appropriate number of seams may be used to define a
portion of the cavity. In some examples, no seams are used to
define a portion of the cavity that retains at least a portion of
the strap. In another example, a single seam is used to define a
portion of the cavity where the layer of fabric is folded back on
itself for retaining the strap.
[0062] The strap may reside in the portion of the cavity that is
defined by the first and second seams. In some cases, the strap is
a continuous loop. In other cases, the strap has a first and a
second strap end. In those examples where the strap includes a
first and second end, the first and second ends may be secured to
the cavity, the fabric of the sleeve, or otherwise anchored within
the cavity such that a force applied to the strap may move at least
a portion of the cavity, the fabric of the sleeve, or other
material or object to which the strap is anchored.
[0063] While these examples have been described with the strap
being secured within a cavity formed by a cuff with multiple layers
of fabric, any appropriate mechanism for retaining the strap may be
used. For example, the strap may be secured to the sleeve where
just a single layer of material exists. In one such example, the
single layer of material may include multiple slits that are spaced
about the circumference of the sleeve, and the strap may be
interwoven through the slits for retention in the sleeve. In other
examples, the strap may be positioned between the single later of
material and a plurality of retention devices, such as a series of
loops material, staples, cleats, or other connection points
positioned on the cuff.
[0064] In some cases, the strap with ends overlaps a majority of
the circumference of the sleeve. In other examples, the strap with
ends covers at least 80 percent of the circumference of the
sleeves. In other examples, the strap with ends covers at least 70
percent of the circumference of the sleeves. In other examples, the
strap with ends covers at least 60 percent of the circumference of
the sleeves. In yet other examples, the strap with ends covers at
least 50 percent of the circumference of the sleeves. In other
examples, the strap with ends covers at least 40 percent of the
circumference of the sleeves. In other examples, the strap with
ends covers at least 30 percent of the circumference of the
sleeves. In other examples, the strap with ends covers at least 20
percent of the circumference of the sleeves.
[0065] In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap may be
positioned on a portion of the circumference of the cuff. For
example, the exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 5
percent of the circumference of the cuff. In other examples, the
exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 10 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In yet other examples, the exposed
portion of the strap may cover at least 15 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In further examples, the exposed portion
of the strap may cover at least 20 percent of the circumference of
the cuff. In yet further examples, the exposed portion of the strap
may cover at least 25 percent of the circumference of the cuff. In
still further examples, the exposed portion of the strap may cover
at least 30 percent of the circumference of the cuff. In even
further examples, the exposed portion of the strap may cover at
least 35 percent of the circumference of the cuff.
[0066] In cuffs with a plurality of exposed portions of the strap,
a total exposed portion of the strap may be positioned on a portion
of the circumference of the cuff. For example, the total exposed
portion of the strap may cover at least 5 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In other examples, the total exposed
portion of the strap may cover at least 10 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In yet other examples, the total exposed
portion of the strap may cover at least 15 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In further examples, the total exposed
portion of the strap may cover at least 20 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In yet further examples, the total
exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 25 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In still further examples, the total
exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 30 percent of the
circumference of the cuff. In even further examples, the total
exposed portion of the strap may cover at least 35 percent of the
circumference of the cuff.
[0067] For those examples where the strap includes first and second
ends, the strap may be anchored within the cavity or to the sleeve
with any appropriate mechanism. In some examples, the first strap
end, the second strap end, a mid-portion of the strap, or another
location along the strap may be secured to the sleeve with a seam,
a button, a hook, a magnet, an adhesive, a clasp, a rod, a pin, a
clip, a knot, another type of fastener, or combinations
thereof.
[0068] The strap may include at least one portion that is exposed
to the user. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap
resides outside of the cavity. The openings that allow the strap to
transition between the outside of the cavity and the inside of the
cavity may be reinforced with any appropriate mechanism to prevent
these openings from tearing or to otherwise strengthen the
openings. In some examples, these openings are reinforced with
button holes, rivets, laser cut exits, grommets, a deposited
material, a low friction material, additional stitching, another
type of reinforcement mechanism, or combinations thereof.
[0069] The strap may be made of any appropriate type of material.
For example, a non-exhaustive list of materials of which the strap
may be made include an elastic material, nylon, polyethylene,
polyester, plastic, cord, rope, chain, cotton, yarn, wire, fishing
line, other types of materials, or combinations thereof. The strap
may also include any appropriate type of thickness or length. For
example, the strap may be substantially flat, such as a ribbon of
material. In other examples, the strap may be substantially round
in cross-section, such as a textile cord. In yet other examples,
the strap may have another cross-sectional shape. In some
embodiments, the length of the strap may be approximately the
circumference of the cuff. In other embodiments, the length of the
strap may be multiples of the circumference of the cuff such that
the strap is looped around the circumference of the cuff multiple
times. In yet other embodiments, the length of the strap may be
longer than a multiple of the circumference of the cuff to allow an
exposed portion of the strap to extend outward from the cuff,
easing engagement with the strap for a user's digit.
[0070] In some examples, the strap is exposed on the inside of the
sleeve. In this example, the user may slightly retract his or her
hand into the sleeve to where the user's finger, thumb, or other
type of digit can catch the exposed portion of the strap. When
engaged, the user may move his or her hand out of the sleeve. As
the hand moves out of the sleeve, tension is applied to the exposed
portion of the strap and the engaged portion of the strap moves
with the hand. As the exposed portion moves with the hand, forces
are applied throughout the length of the strap that causes the
strap to apply an inward closing force around the sleeve's opening.
Thus, the sleeve opening shrinks at least partially in response to
the movement of the exposed portion of the strap. As the opening
shrinks, the sleeve's fabric proximate the strap may close in
around the user's hand, wrist, forearm, or other location on the
user.
[0071] In some cases, an exposed portion of the strap is located on
the outside of the sleeve. In these types of examples, the user may
retract his or her hand slightly and use at least one of his or her
fingers or thumb to reach for the exposed portion of the strap on
the sleeve's outside. When engaged, the user may move his or her
hand forward, thereby pulling on the exposed portion of the strap.
As the engaged portion of the strap moves forward with the hand,
the rest of the strap moves, causing the sleeve's opening to draw
in around the user's hand, wrist, forearm, or other location on the
user.
[0072] The exposed portion of the strap may be positioned at any
approximate location around the sleeve. In some examples, the
exposed portion of the strap is located at the bottom of the
sleeve. In other examples, the exposed portion of the strap is
located within 6.0 inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some
cases, the exposed portion of the strap is located within 5.0
inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed
portion of the strap is located within 4.0 inches from the bottom
of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap is
located within 3.0 inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some
cases, the exposed portion of the strap is located within 2.0
inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed
portion of the strap is located within 1.0 inches from the bottom
of the sleeve. In some cases, the exposed portion of the strap is
located within 0.5 inches from the bottom of the sleeve. In some
cases, the exposed portion of the strap is located on the opposite
side of the sleeve from the bottom of the sleeve. The location of
the strap's exposed portion may determine which of the user's thumb
or fingers are most convenient for engaging with the strap's
exposed portion. For example, in some cases where the exposed
portion is near the bottom of the sleeve, the user's thumb may be
the most convenient digit to engage the exposed portion. In other
examples where the exposed portion is located farther way from the
bottom of the sleeve, one of the user's fingers may be more
convenient to engage with the exposed portion.
[0073] Also, the exposed strap may be located at any appropriate
distance from the sleeve's opening. For example, the exposed
portion of the strap may be located within 6.0 inches from the
sleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion of the strap may
be located within 5.0 inches from the sleeve's opening. For
example, the exposed portion of the strap may be located within 4.0
inches from the sleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion
of the strap may be located within 3.0 inches from the sleeve's
opening. For example, the exposed portion of the strap may be
located within 2.0 inches from the sleeve's opening. For example,
the exposed portion of the strap may be located within 1.0 inches
from the sleeve's opening. For example, the exposed portion of the
strap may be located within 0.5 inches from the sleeve's opening.
The distance that the strap is located from the sleeve's opening
may determine which part of the user that the strap closes in
around when the exposed portion of the strap is pulled. In those
examples where the strap is located within 0.5 inches from the
sleeve's opening, the strap may pull in around the user's hand when
the exposed portion is pulled. In examples where the strap is
located farther away from the sleeve's opening, the strap may close
in around the user's wrist and/or the user's forearm.
[0074] In some cases, the distance that the exposed portion of the
strap is located away from the sleeve's opening is different than
the distance that the rest of the strap is located from the
sleeve's opening. In some cases, the cavity retaining the strap
guides a portion of the strap forward towards the sleeve's opening
while a remainder of the strap is located farther back. In some of
these types of examples, a seam that defines a portion of the
cavity retaining the strap may create at least one bend that causes
a portion of the strap to bend so that the exposed portion can be
located at a different distance from the sleeve's opening than
another portion of the strap.
[0075] In some cases, the strap may include a first portion that
aligns with the circumference of the sleeve and a second portion
that is aligned with the length of the sleeve. The second, axial
portion of the strap may be connected to the first, circumferential
portion of the strap. In this example, the second portion may
include an end that is exposed and has a loop that can be engaged
by a user's digits.
[0076] In these examples where the strap's exposed portion is
located at a different distance from the sleeve's opening than
another portion of the loop, the user can engage the sleeve at a
location convenient for the user, but the sleeve may draw in around
the user at a different distance away from the sleeve's opening.
This may allow the user to control the closure of the sleeve around
his or her forearm with the control of the user's thumb.
[0077] In some cases, the strap includes more than one exposed
portion. In some examples, at least one finger or thumb may be
intended to engage each of the exposed portions when pulling the
sleeve in. In some cases, the user has to just engage one of the
exposed portions to pull the sleeve in. In some cases, an exposed
portion of the strap is long enough that more than one of the
user's fingers or thumb can engage just the single exposed portion
of the strap.
[0078] The sleeve may be part of any appropriate type of article of
clothing. A non-exhaustive list of types of clothing articles
suitable for the principles described herein may include long
sleeve shirts, sport jackets, insulated coat, types of articles of
clothing, or combinations thereof.
[0079] In some cases, the strap may be located in an inner layer of
the sleeve or right next to the user's arm. In such an example, the
inner layer may be sewn into the inside of the sleeve at any
appropriate location along the sleeve's length or otherwise
attached to the inner layer. This strap may be threaded through a
hem or laced through holes, which may be lined with eyelets. The
outer layers of the sleeve may include an insulation layer and/or a
weather proof layer. In such examples, the inner most layer may be
incorporated into the sleeve to support the strap. The orifices
through which the strap enters and exists the cavity may be exposed
on the inside of the sleeve and/or up against the user's skin. In
some cases, as the strap is tightened around the user's arm, the
inner layer of the sleeve moves inward around the arm, while the
outer layers remain substantially unmoved from their position when
the strap is not closed in. In some examples, the movement of the
inner layer causes the outer layers to move inward as well.
[0080] In some cases, the strap may be removable from the space
between the layers of the sleeve holding the strap in place. In
other examples, the strap may be sewn to or otherwise connected to
at least one of the layers defining the space in which the strap is
located. In some cases, the strap is sewn in a single location,
such as the strap's mid-point or at another location. In other
cases, the strap may be attached at multiple locations.
[0081] The description herein is provided to enable a person
skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various
modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may
be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of
the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples
described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
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